Rafi Menco Sidelined by Hapoel HaEmek Amidst Contract Dispute

Rafi Menco was once again excluded from the Hapoel HaEmek basketball team's roster for their recent loss against Galil Elyon. Although Menco dressed for a prior practice game due to an injury to teammate Lucas Goldberg, he was not included in the official squad for the latest match. Sources within Hapoel HaEmek indicate that Menco has been training separately from the main team and has been instructed to arrive early for gym sessions with younger players. Disagreements exist within the coaching staff regarding the status of the Israeli national team forward, with some advocating for his inclusion in games. Hapoel HaEmek stated that Menco receives the same conditions as other players and that the club is awaiting an offer from another team willing to absorb his contract, valued at approximately $300,000. Professional manager Yonatan Allon previously stated that Menco is not part of the team's professional plans, acknowledging the awkward situation but respecting the player's contract.